Silly question.. when did you start..

[PoppingOneOutIn2020]

Holding/touching your bump/belly.

I was out with family the other day and had one of the normal stretching pains in my lower belly, semi-subconciously I out my hand to my belly.. like you would naturally with any discomfort?

My sister rolled her eyes at me and said "ugh you're one of 'those' pregnant people"

I asked her what she meant and she said I'm one of those pregnant people that hold their belly even when there is nothing to show and no reason to.

Now I feel really self conscious as sometimes I like to lie in bed with my hand on my tummy just because.. why not?!

So my question.. when do you start holding and touching your belly? I find myself consciously avoiding it now she has pointed it out

I'm coming up to 17 weeks.

She probably read all that crap about Meghan Markle touching her tummy and picked it all up. I was pregnant at the same time as MM and felt really aware of it and tried not to do it in public in case someone judged me by seven months pregnant I decided sod it, it's my bump and my baby and stopped caring. I did it subconsciously from the moment I got that BFP - being pregnant is special, sure it's no big deal to the rest of the world, and sure lots of women get pregnant, but you're not doing it for them! You're doing it for you and your baby. Nine months is nothing, even if you went on to have ten children you would spend less than 8 years pregnant - what a tiny percentage of your life! Enjoy it while it lasts ❤️ there's so much shitty stuff about being pregnant, why shouldn't we enjoy the magic of it?

Haha sorry, bit of a rant there, but seriously, enjoy it while it lasts! You're having a baby, however boring that might be for everyone else, for you, it's special, and that's a good thing!

I find myself rubbing/having a hand on my belly all the time without even noticing, ever since being pregnant.

You have a little bubba in there who can feel his mumma! Do it as much as you like x

Ah she's 16. That explains it.

Just ignore her!

Oh no, you're being affectionate. You're sister needs to learn some manners, but then she's only 16 and won't really understand.

I apparently started touching it before knowing it and kinda gave it away that i was preggo before intending to.

I don't give a crap what other people think our feel. If you're others by someone touching their own bump you must be a small minded person. Not so much your sister but women who are already mother's who judge. Just because they felt no need to be affectionate to their baby during pregnancy didn't mean everyone feels that way.

I was going to say she sounds jealous but then saw she was 16! I agree with PP she just wouldn’t really understand at that age. I touch mine, probably once I’d told people? As obviously didn’t want to draw attention to it before! It’s a comfort thing and it just feels nice to me (like as close to a cuddle you can get with baby!), I’m not trying to get people to look at my bump, otherwise I wouldn’t do it when I’m alone (which I do). As another pp said my midwife also said it’s good for bonding. I would find it extremely strange if anyone ever commented, never realised other people found it weird? I think some people find it hard to be happy for other people.

I used to rest my hand on my bump a lot when I was pregnant and like you did, rub the area that felt sore. There’s no right or wrong amount to touch your bump, everyone experiences things differently. One of my friends didn’t touch her bump much as the changing shape freaked her out a bit. Your sister should keep her judgemental mouth closed. Enjoy your bump, this is such a precious time.

@PoppingOneOutIn2020 I know it probably sounds silly, but I have found myself subconsciously touching my belly more and I am only 4+5! I just think since finding out I am pregnant, its such a special thing to know that I am growing a little one in there (even if it is only a poppy seed size atm!), it is like a comforting thing I guess?

But this is such a special journey to be on, I wouldn't let your sister's comments get to you! I know that can be difficult at times though, as I have a teenage sister too and she has a right mouth on her!